Markets gain, Sensex hits 20,000

Markets have surged once again, on the back of buying interest in realty and banking shares.

The benchmark index crossed the 20K mark to a high of 20,014. Sensex is now up 95 points at 20,002. NSE Nifty has managed to hold on to gains as well and is now up 31 points at 6,055.

Most Asian markets ended lower Tuesday as worries about the US debt ceiling impasse led investors to take profit after a strong recent run.

Mainland Chinese stocks extended their rally on more buying amid hopes for greater foreign participation in the domestic markets, while Japanese shares advanced after the yen dropped to multiyear lows Monday.